Misc. Braves Rambling

It's been awhile since I've blogged about the Braves. But that doesn't mean I don't have many thoughts about what has been going on in Bravesnation.

A majority of the Braves sites the past month have been talking about John Smolts, the new pitchers, and/or Frank Wren's GM abilities.

But I think one of my favorite Braves links of the past several weeks is this.

I think I've made it known how feel about Terence Moore's work, but in case you missed it I'm not the biggest fan of his writing. Half of his articles feature "Cy Maddux, Cy Glavine, and Cy Smoltz" and is it really necessary to have a hyperlink everytime the word "Braves" appears? Those are just nit picky things...I could go all day on his often misled theories. Anyways, back to the article.

I'll be honest (and obvious). I miss Mazzone. McDowell has done an average job (not great, not horrible), but Mazzone is a mastermful pitching instructor. And I've always wondered deep inside if he regrets leaving the Atlanta organization.

Now we know the truth. Yes he does.

I won't repeat everything the article says, but in a nutshell Mazzone left stability and security for money and friendship.

He had a good thing going with the Braves. Mazzone's methods were often criticized but you can't argue with the results. He had pitchers throwing twice between starts, instead of usual one side session. Mazzone was also effective at keeping his pitchers healthy. He encouraged them not to throw hard during those side sessions, but to work on breaking and offspeed stuff. When his pitchers were in a jam, instead of telling his pitchers to "put a little more in this one" Mazzone would tell them to take some off. Throwing too hard too often is what tears tendons, rotator cuffs, and whatever else is inside those multi-million dollar arms.

Mazzone had a legacy. And he left it all for an opportunity to coach with his best friend, and oh yeah, a lot of zeros.

In a sport with teams that go through managers and coaches like McDonald's goes through hot cakes, why risk job security?

I realize I'm many years late by blogging about Mazzone leaving. I suppose it's just hard to know exactly how to feel about Moore's column. Am I to be happy that Mazzone regrets leaving the Braves? The Atlanta Braves shirt I'm wearing wants to say "yes." My heart wants to say "no".

Other News and Notes:
Many World Baseball Classic teams will feature Braves players (assuming they make the final roster. As I look through the teams and the players, I expect most of them will) The situations the players are in will vary, however.

Jorge Campillo will probably make the Mexico team if he sticks with the team. However, as TC notes, it might be wise for Campillo to stay with the team in Spring Training, rather than play in the WBC. Right now Campillo is penciled in the 5th starter spot of the Braves roster. It's his to lose. If guys like Tommy Hanson, Jo Jo Reyes, Todd Redmond, or Charlie Morton have a great showing in the Grapefruit League while Campillo struggles in the WBC, we might have some drama. Of course, if Campillo dominates in the WBC then nothing happens and he is a hero. It's ultimately Campillo's decision, but either way he needs a strong showing. Would it be easier for him to keep is rotation spot by throwing against minor leaguers in the Grapefruit League or by throwing against a stacked Dominican team in the WBC? I know which one I'd do.

The reporters are very wishy-washy on if the Braves will (more importantly, SHOULD) sign Andruw Jones. I've read some articles that say the Braves are talking about it. And I've read some articles that say there is no interest. What are we to think? Who knows what will happen. Personally, I'm rolling my eyes if it is anything more than a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite. The last thing we need is yet another bad outfielder we feel obligated to give at-bats to (I'm looking at YOU, Frenchy!)

Speaking of Frenchy, the reports are that he has been doing a lot of work this offseason. Where have I heard this before? Last offseason? The one before that? His season's are gradually getting worse...and I fear it is because pitchers are realizing his weaknesses more and more. Not just that he swings at everything including fastballs that are forehead high, but that he must decide quicker if he should swing or not.

I'm getting tired of hearing phrases like "The Natural" or "Face of the Franchise" or anything of the like. He wouldn't be starting in RF on any other team. My patience is wearing thin with Frenchy.

And in case you are wondering, no, my future Braves posts won't be this long.